#3 Irish survives injury scare, rolls past Wake Forest 48-37

SOUTH BEND, IN.– For the seventh straight week, Notre Dame sends its fans home happy with another win this time rolling past Wake Forest 48-37. The Irish even had to do so with a banged-up Brandon Wimbush and Josh Adams. Wimbush worked his minor injury, while Adams did not return because he simply wasn’t feeling well after a head injury.

Things started out well for the Irish, scoring a touchdown on a 7 play 48-yard drive that was only their second drive of the day. It ended with a Brandon Wimbush 6-yard rushing touchdown. The next drive went just as well, settling for a field goal just outside the first quarter and very early into the second. Three out of the next five drives would end in touchdowns for Notre Dame, which led to a 31-10 halftime lead.

Quarterback Brandon Wimbush took a helmet to his left hand that bruised it a little bit, but he could play it out. Wimbush also stated after the game that “The Winning Culture is Back” after he finished 15/30 with 280 yards and a touchdown.

For what seems like the first time this season, Heisman candidate Josh Adams was not the leading rusher. If the injury to his head had not happened, it would be a different case. QB Brandon Wimbush filled in nicely, running the ball 12 times for 110 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. One of those came on a breakaway 50-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter. Deon McIntosh added 9 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown, while Tony Jones Jr. had 10 runs for 59 yards and a TD.

Chase Claypool had an excellent day catching, with 9 receptions and 180 yards along with a 34-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. The number of yards Claypool compiled set a new season-high which was previously 56 yards.

Te’von Coney was very good on defense for the Irish, recording 12 tackles, 1.0 sacks, and 3 tackles for loss. Julian Love added 7 tackles, 3 pass deflections, and an interception off Wake Forest QB John Wolford.

Just like we predicted before the game, the numbers completely favored Notre Dame and the game turned like expected. It was an easy win for the Irish, despite a great effort from Wake Forest. Notre Dame will need the confidence they just got and translate it over to next week on the road against Miami. Kickoff is set for National Television on ABC at 8:00 PM Eastern.